
In basketball, an illegal pick, also known as an illegal screen, is a violation that occurs when the offensive player setting the screen moves toward or sideways into a defender to create contact. This is also referred to as a moving pick. The consequences of an illegal pick range from fouls called on the offending team to potential injuries for both parties involved. To set a legal screen, the offensive player must be stationary and provide enough space for the defender to avoid contact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Movement | Illegal if the player is moving when setting the pick or moves in the opposite direction or laterally away from the person they're screening |
| Positioning | Illegal if the player doesn't hold their position or provide enough space for defenders to avoid contact |
| Contact | Illegal if the player initiates contact with the defender |
| Arms | Illegal if the player extends their arms during the pick |
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What You'll Learn

Moving screens
To understand moving screens, it is essential to first comprehend the concept of a screen. A screen is a strategic move in basketball where an offensive player (the screener) without the ball positions themselves to block a defender from guarding the player with the ball. This blocking move allows a teammate to shoot, pass, or drive the ball towards the basket, creating valuable opportunities to score. Screens can be set "on-ball" for the player with the ball or "off-ball" for a teammate without possession.
A moving screen occurs when the screener moves to make contact with the defender, gaining an advantage. Specifically, the screener must be stationary before the defender is close enough to be screened and must remain relatively still. Any movement of the feet, hips, or arms into the path of a moving defender to initiate contact is considered a moving screen and an offensive foul.
The challenge in identifying a moving screen lies in the subtle nature of the movements, which can be difficult for officials to catch in the fast-paced game. Additionally, defenders are taught to anticipate screens, and when they "'beat'" their opponent to the spot, the screener may alter their positioning, inadvertently creating an illegal screen.
Enforcing rules against moving screens is crucial for player safety and maintaining a level playing field. It ensures that screens are used fairly and strategically, creating a clean and competitive game.
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Insufficient spacing allowance
In basketball, a screen or pick is a strategic move where an offensive player acts as a wall to block a defender's path, allowing an offensive teammate to run towards an open shot or drive the ball to the basket. While screens are an essential strategy for creating advantages on the court, players must learn to set them properly to maintain fair play.
An illegal screen, also known as a moving pick, occurs when the offensive player setting the screen moves towards or sideways into a defender to create contact. This can lead to fouls and potential injuries. It is considered a violation of fair play regulations.
The rules specify that the offensive player should be directly in the defender's path, but with enough space between them to allow the defender to choose to go over or around the screen. The defender should not be forced to make contact with the screener. If the offensive player does not provide this opportunity to avoid contact, it is considered an illegal screen.
To ensure sufficient spacing allowance, the offensive player setting the screen should be stationary, with their feet planted firmly on the ground. They should stand up straight, with their arms tucked in and legs planted under their shoulders, ready to absorb the contact. Any movement during the screening process, such as moving laterally or changing direction, is not allowed and can result in an illegal screen being called.
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Illegal pick violations
To set a legal screen, the offensive player must get directly in the defender's path, leaving enough space to allow the defender to avoid contact. The player should stand up straight with their arms tucked in and legs planted under their shoulders. While slight movement is allowed to firm up, excessive movement during screening is not permitted. It is important to note that the contact is initiated by the player on defense.
Illegal picks can also occur when a defender anticipates a screen and "beats" their opponent to the spot, causing the screener to alter their positioning. This can lead to fouls against the offending team. It is crucial for players to understand the difference between legal and illegal picks to maintain fair play and avoid being labeled as a "dirty team."
In addition to the positioning rules, players should also be aware of the ethical implications of illegal picks. While the aim of the offense is to strategically redirect the game flow through clever positioning, it is important to do so within the rules to maintain fair play. Practicing under pressure and understanding the consequences of illegal moves can help players make ethical choices during the game.
Mastering the art of setting legal screens is crucial for both fair play and gaining a strategic advantage. By understanding the positioning rules and practicing drills that simulate game pressure, players can improve their skills in setting legal picks and avoid committing illegal pick violations.
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On-ball and off-ball screens
An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is a move in basketball where an offensive player cuts to an area of the court to block a defender who is guarding another offensive player with the ball. This move is typically used against man-to-man defence but can also be used against zone defence. The player setting the screen is called the 'screener', and the defender guarding them is the 'screener's defender'. The defender who is the target of the on-ball screen is the 'on-ball defender'.
The on-ball screen is a useful move for the offence as it can be challenging for the defender to recover their position quickly enough to defend the player with the ball. The corner ball screen, for example, is a type of on-ball screen where the player with the ball is near a corner of the court. The screener sets the screen at an angle that makes the on-ball defender go over the top of the screen. However, a potential drawback of the corner ball screen is that it can allow the on-ball defender and the screener's defender to trap the player with the ball.
Another variation of the on-ball screen is the elbow get action, where the player with the ball is near one of the high post elbows, and the screener is near the opposite high post elbow. The screener then sets the ball screen on the defender guarding the player with the ball. The player with the ball uses the screen, usually by dribbling, while the screener rolls to the basket and can receive the ball for a score. Alternatively, the player with the ball can keep it and score near the basket, or attempt a mid-range jump shot.
The off-ball screen is a move in basketball where an offensive player without the ball sets a screen for another offensive player, creating a potential scoring opportunity near the basket or the perimeter of the court. The off-ball screen is usually set by players in post-oriented positions, such as power forward or center, but players in perimeter-oriented positions can also set screens. The off-ball screen is typically used against man-to-man defence but can also be used against zone defence. It is generally more effective on the weak side of the court, as defenders will try to hinder the screen by fighting over the top of it, going under it, or executing a defensive switch.
The back screen is a type of off-ball screen where an offensive player sets a screen behind a defender, allowing the player with the screen to cut towards the basket and receive a pass for a layup. The flex screen is another type of off-ball screen where an offensive player cuts between the low post and the adjacent short corner to set a back screen for another player. The second player can then cut to the basket through the flex screen and score. The flare screen is an off-ball screen that allows a player to cut away from the ball to the perimeter, and if a pass is made, this can get the team's shooters open for outside shots.
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Physicality and safety
Illegal picks, or screens, in basketball are an important part of the sport to understand, as they can be confusing for new players and parents alike. They are also a crucial aspect of fair play and safety. An illegal screen occurs when the offensive player setting the screen moves towards or sideways into a defender to create contact. This is often referred to as a moving pick. It is considered a violation of the rules and can result in fouls or potential injuries for both players involved.
To set a legal screen, an offensive player must get directly in the defender's path, leaving enough space to allow the defender the opportunity to avoid contact. The player should stand up straight with their arms tucked in and legs planted under their shoulders. They can move slightly in the direction of the defender to firm up but should remain stationary until contact is made by the defender. This is a key distinction, as the contact is initiated by the player on defense.
The consequences of illegal picks can be significant. In addition to being called for a foul, players may be labelled as 'cheap' or 'dirty'. At lower levels, playing a clean and legal game is more important than trying to gain a slight advantage through illegal moves, as it can result in negative perceptions of the team and potential injuries.
To avoid illegal picks, players should be educated on the possible consequences of such moves and the importance of fair play. They should also be instructed to maintain their position, keep their limbs close to their body, and communicate the pick to the offensive player by raising their hand and calling out their name. Drills can be implemented to practice establishing the correct position and adhering to guidelines under defensive pressure.
In summary, understanding the physicality and safety aspects of illegal picks in high school basketball is crucial for fair play and injury prevention. By following the guidelines for setting legal screens and educating players on the consequences of illegal moves, coaches can promote a clean and safe playing environment.
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Frequently asked questions
An illegal pick, also known as an illegal screen or moving pick, is a violation in basketball where the offensive player setting the screen moves towards or sideways into a defender to create contact. This can be due to insufficient spacing allowance towards opponents or when the offensive player doesn't hold their position.
The consequences of an illegal pick range from fouls called on your team to potential injuries for both parties involved. It can also result in a turnover for the offense, with the defense gaining possession of the ball.
To set a legal pick, the offensive player must be stationary before the offensive player comes off their pick. They should also communicate the pick to the offensive player by raising their hand and calling out the player's name.
Defensive moves to defeat a screen include sliding by the pick if the screening player leaves space, fighting over the screen (pushing the screener away) if the defender is strong enough, or switching defensive assignments with another defender.











































